Google's 5 Most Asked Questions About Lipstick Answered

We love lipstick (obviously), so when our friends over at Google HQ told us the UK's top five most-searched questions around lipstick, we couldn't help but answer them all in one place.

And yes, we had to Google one of them.

1. How Do I Make Lipstick?

Our advice is not to attempt this at home (unless your home happens to be a lab) because making lipstick from scratch is no easy task and rather messy business. That said, it's more hypnotic than a lava lamp to watch it happen.

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Take a look at how a lipstick is born...

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Still want to get handy in the make-up mixology department? Choose a base carrier like petroleum jelly, beeswax or lanolin (ELLE Loves Lanolips Ointment, £10.99) and mix it with coloured loose pigments (MAC have an extensive selection) to create a tinted balm.

Note: Depending on the carrier, you may have to warm up your mixture to get an even spread of pigment. Just remember to let it cool off before applying it.

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2. How Do I Apply Lipstick?

That depends on what finish you're after. If you're using a sheer or balmy lipstick (the most foolproof textures to apply) then apply straight from the bullet, starting on cupid's bow and working outwards. Repeat on bottom lip. Alternatively, dab it on with your finger for a softer look.

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For fuller coverage, opaque lip you need to proceed with a bit more caution, as the full-impact colour is less forgiving when you go over the lines.

To start, blot your mouth with tissue remove any natural oils. Next, apply the lipstick straight from the bullet as before or use a lip brush for more precision, applying the bulk of the product in the middle of your lips moving gradually outwards towards the edge of your mouth's natural contours.

Top Tip: If you still find this tricky, try blurring the edges with a cotton bud for a diffused effect.

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3. How Can I Get Lipstick Out Of A Carpet?

Ok, we had to Google this one.

Apparently lipsticks make for the mother of all carpet stains because of their greasy finish, which clings on to carpet fibres (sob). To counter this, you need a cleansing product that dissolves grease, oils or waxes.

Once you've chosen this, carefully scrape off any larger lumps of lipstick (sob, sob) before spraying your carpet cleaner over the top and using a sponge to blot the stain. Do not rub (this is key). Instead, blot, blot and blot again.

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4. What Is Lipstick Made Of?

Waxes and oils make up the base of a lipstick and give it its structure. Carnauba wax is often used for its high melting point, alongside alternatives like beeswax, candelilla wax, cocoa butter and lanolin.

As a general rule, balms and glosses contain more emollients whereas matte finishes use more filing agents like silica. Pigments and dyes are added to give colour, alongside other compounds such as fragrances and synthetic pearl particles to add shimmer.

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5. How Can I Make My Lipstick Matte?

We know the feeling, you've found your ultimate shade of nude and you want it to work across the spectrum to streamline your make-up bag. So how to make a non-matte lipstick matte? You'll never be able to truly turn glossy finish lipsticks matte, but with satin or creamy textures you can.

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